Tibet World celebrated its first anniversary on Sunday, October 19

Dharamshala NGO Tibet World celebrated its first anniversary on Sunday, October 19. Staff, volunteers, supporters, Tibetan Parliament-in-exile Members, presidents and representatives of other organizations and observed a ceremonial ribbon cutting, speeches and lighting of butter lamps by guests of honour, Mr Wilfred Pfeffer, President of Kailash Haus and Tibetan Parliament-in-exile speaker, Mr Penpa Tsering, as well as a speech by director, Yeshi Lhundup and student performances at Tibet World’s new premises on Jogiwara Road.

Ceremonial ribbon cutting by Mr Wilfred Pfeffer, President of Kailash Haus and Tibetan Parliament-in-exile speaker, Mr Penpa Tsering

During the busy event Mr Lhundup reflected on the past year, “We’ve made big progress. “We started from  my own small room, but we have had so many international volunteers and I’d like to thank everyone who has become involved with Tibet World over the past year over the past year. It is their contributions which have enabled us to grow into what we’ve become today,” he said. Tibet World has welcomed over 700 students and 220 international volunteers since it started a year ago. Students have been given the opportunity to attend classes in English, French, German, Chinese and Tibetan, as well as daily yoga classes, workshops  and weekly cultural evenings showcasing Tibetan song, dance and folk tales. Its new centre boasts classrooms, a performance and lecture hall, a café, a library and accommodation forvolunteers and visitors.

Mr Lhundup offered special thanks to Kailash Haus and Tsechock Ling Monastery for their long-term support and unveiled Tibet World’s  logo, which features a snow lion head to represent Tibet and four elements representing the world, which means Tibet meets the world, the world meets Tibet “Tibet World is not only for Tibetans, but for the whole world, because Tibet needs the world and theworld needs Tibet. Everything is interdependent,” he said.

 Mr Wilfred Pfeffer said: “I am quite sure that we can go back to a Tibet where you can speak Tibetan, where you can also speak Chinese, where you can also speak English and since you are learning here, you are becoming a person for the future, you are well prepared for the wonderful time that Tibet will be free.

Guesses in Tibet World Hall

” Mr Penpa Tsering followed Mr Pfeffer’s speech saying Mr Lhundup is, “not just a dreamer but a visionary and you need people like him with a long term vision to make things happen.” “All Tibetan have a responsibility to help preserve our language and culture and so I wanted to provide a platform upon which we could promote education, raise cultural awareness and impart Tibetan values to the world by inspiring people to initiate peace, harmony and compassion,” said Mr Lhundup. “Our mission is to change the world and I hope everyone continues to support us.” Tibet World’s weekly Folk Shows take place every Thursday evening at 6.30pm, priced Rs. 150  per person.